Today's Haphazard Approach to Product Sorting

Across the ecommerce landscape, many stores, unfortunately, adopt a seemingly random, haphazard approach to arranging their products. It's common to see products being displayed in the order they're added, or perhaps based on some broad categories. While this might seem harmless, it overlooks a significant facet of ecommerce strategy.

The Power of Collection Pages

Imagine collection pages as the Google Search for your online store. Much like how the top search results on Google receive the lion's share of clicks, products showcased at the top of collection pages get a disproportionate amount of attention. In fact, products situated at the top can receive up to 50 times the exposure of those languishing at the bottom. This isn't just a game of visibility; it's about conversion and sales.

How Product Order Drives Conversion

The positioning of a product on a page can significantly influence a customer's decision to purchase. Those that appear first tend to be perceived as more popular or more relevant. As a result, they generally have higher click-through rates and subsequently, a better chance of being purchased. It's essential to understand that the order is not merely about aesthetics; it has a direct impact on a store's bottom line.

Optimizing with Intelligent Product Sorting

Intelligent product sorting is the science and art of arranging products in a manner that maximizes their visibility and appeal to customers. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; what works best for one store might not be ideal for another. The trick is to employ data-driven insights to guide product placement. By doing so, retailers can tailor the shopping experience to better meet the desires and expectations of their customer base, leading to increased engagement and sales.

Metrics for Intelligent Product Sorting

To harness the full power of intelligent product sorting, it's crucial to lean on the right metrics. Here are the most impactful ones:

1. CTR by Product Position: Tracking the Click-Through Rate (CTR) by product position provides insights into how products perform at different spots on the page. This can be a strong indicator of where certain products might thrive best.
2. Sales Per Click: Beyond just clicks, it's essential to understand the conversion. Sales per click offer a granular look at how often a clicked product ends up being purchased, helping to prioritize high-converting items.
3. Inventory Remaining: Strategically placing products based on remaining inventory can help stores move stock more efficiently. For example, products with low inventory can be promoted to clear out, while best-sellers might be featured prominently to capitalize on their popularity.
4. Availability by Size: In the world of fashion and apparel, availability by size can play a crucial role in product sorting. Highlighting products with a broader range of sizes available can enhance the shopping experience, as customers are less likely to face disappointment after clicking on an appealing product.

In conclusion, intelligent product sorting is not just a nice-to-have but a critical strategy in today's competitive ecommerce landscape. By embracing a data-driven approach, retailers can significantly enhance their customers' shopping experience, leading to higher engagement and increased sales.